Liberation of the Rabbit:Art based self study on the process of decoding animal symbolism within my artwork.
Brianna Collins
This thesis by Brianna Collins was conducted as a part of Pratt ADE's capstone class, Curating Learning.
Curating Learning showcases the work of ADE seniors at the culmination of the program as they curate their experiences as artists, cultural producers, and learners. The research projects and related artworks created, emphasize student interdisciplinary connections and reflections on how knowledge is constructed and facilitated through teaching, learning, and curating.
Students integrate theory and practice through reflection and research in the field of art and design education. Students develop their voices as emerging professionals as they synthesize their learning in studio, liberal arts, art and design education, and pre-service teaching as well as co-curricular experiences in both formal and informal settings. Working across media and informed by their own research they created projects that ultimately highlight their perspective on integrating their learning across the studio, classroom, and community.
Curating Learning showcases the work of ADE seniors at the culmination of the program as they curate their experiences as artists, cultural producers, and learners. The research projects and related artworks created, emphasize student interdisciplinary connections and reflections on how knowledge is constructed and facilitated through teaching, learning, and curating.
Students integrate theory and practice through reflection and research in the field of art and design education. Students develop their voices as emerging professionals as they synthesize their learning in studio, liberal arts, art and design education, and pre-service teaching as well as co-curricular experiences in both formal and informal settings. Working across media and informed by their own research they created projects that ultimately highlight their perspective on integrating their learning across the studio, classroom, and community.
Artist Statement
Liberation of the Rabbit: Art based self study on the process of decoding animal symbolism within my artwork
In this art based self study I chose to work solely on pink wallpaper. I wanted to draw large in order to convey the importance of the subject. The main question I set out to answer was “How can I decode animal symbolism within my artwork?”. Within this main question I also aimed to respond to how the animal is liberated in my own artwork as well as to determine the significance of the rabbit within the artworld. Not only do these drawings portray a personal message they are also meant to liberate.
I set a goal of creating 5 ink drawings on wallpaper, I chose to incorporate pink as a staple of my personal expression. Through short sessions the work began to form, each day the drawings grew with more detail. I documented my progress through time lapse videos as well as photographs. Overall I want these works to be viewed not only for the symbolism that hides within them but also for their technicality
My artwork consists of large scale charcoal drawings, mixed media collages, and small pen/ink drawings. I do not tend to stray away from drawing materials but I sometimes include paint within my collage work. My work has transformed from technically based still life studies to coded mixed media drawings. My work is usually an indication of my mood. A lot of my work is a portrayal of how I view love and my deeply confusing outlook on the emotion.
I often choose to portray this emotion within the form of animals, more specifically the rabbit. These rabbits take the spotlight of my works, usually the largest (or only) subject in the drawing. I tend to gravitate towards using the colors pink, black and white within the drawings, this palette is representative of myself. These whimsical drawings take life on untraditional surfaces such as wallpaper, and found paper. If they reside on traditional drawing paper, the untraditional materials are incorporated through the form of collage.
After completing this art study I discovered three main things. My work within this specific project related directly to emotional connections, materiality connect and pedagogy. I feel the need to portray my “personal style” within my artwork, I believe it creates a deeper connection to the art. This also relates directly to what materials I chose to work with and how I use them. I also discovered different ways to incorporate symbolism within a classroom setting. I found ways to push thinking past the cliches.
In this art based self study I chose to work solely on pink wallpaper. I wanted to draw large in order to convey the importance of the subject. The main question I set out to answer was “How can I decode animal symbolism within my artwork?”. Within this main question I also aimed to respond to how the animal is liberated in my own artwork as well as to determine the significance of the rabbit within the artworld. Not only do these drawings portray a personal message they are also meant to liberate.
I set a goal of creating 5 ink drawings on wallpaper, I chose to incorporate pink as a staple of my personal expression. Through short sessions the work began to form, each day the drawings grew with more detail. I documented my progress through time lapse videos as well as photographs. Overall I want these works to be viewed not only for the symbolism that hides within them but also for their technicality
My artwork consists of large scale charcoal drawings, mixed media collages, and small pen/ink drawings. I do not tend to stray away from drawing materials but I sometimes include paint within my collage work. My work has transformed from technically based still life studies to coded mixed media drawings. My work is usually an indication of my mood. A lot of my work is a portrayal of how I view love and my deeply confusing outlook on the emotion.
I often choose to portray this emotion within the form of animals, more specifically the rabbit. These rabbits take the spotlight of my works, usually the largest (or only) subject in the drawing. I tend to gravitate towards using the colors pink, black and white within the drawings, this palette is representative of myself. These whimsical drawings take life on untraditional surfaces such as wallpaper, and found paper. If they reside on traditional drawing paper, the untraditional materials are incorporated through the form of collage.
After completing this art study I discovered three main things. My work within this specific project related directly to emotional connections, materiality connect and pedagogy. I feel the need to portray my “personal style” within my artwork, I believe it creates a deeper connection to the art. This also relates directly to what materials I chose to work with and how I use them. I also discovered different ways to incorporate symbolism within a classroom setting. I found ways to push thinking past the cliches.